The Zambian government confirmed it will pay all farmers who supplied maize to the Food Reserve Agency by January 10, 2026. Officials said payments are already underway in phases, using funds from sales and financing institutions. Authorities emphasised that timely payments support farming households and national food security. Farmers expressed concern about delayed disbursements affecting planting, while the government assured them that mechanisms are in place to complete full payments on schedule.

The Drug Enforcement Commission’s public response to the summoning of Archbishop Alick Banda raised political concerns over the neutrality of law enforcement. Critics argued that DEC Director General Nason Banda’s media briefing, warnings and use of politically loaded language turned a routine legal process into a public spectacle. The incident fueled perceptions of intimidation and blurred lines between state power and moral voices, undermining confidence in impartial justice.

The Patriotic Front says it will hold its elective convention once court cases over party leadership are concluded. Acting president Given Lubinda said the timing is meant to safeguard the legitimacy of the process. He stresses that they welcome the end of prolonged uncertainty. Preparations are underway to elect substantive leaders, stabilize the party, and position it as a credible opposition ahead of Zambia’s 2026 elections.

Zambia has begun accepting part of mining tax payments in Chinese renminbi, reflecting China’s growing role in its copper sector and debt profile. The Bank of Zambia said the shift supports reserve diversification and lowers the cost of servicing Chinese loans, as most copper exports go to China. The move follows similar steps by Kenya and signals a rising yuan footprint in Africa’s mining economies.

Zambia and Zimbabwe have each pledged $220 million to revive the stalled $4.2 billion Batoka Gorge hydropower project. The development aims to ease power shortages after drought-hit generation at Kariba. The 2,400MW cross-border plant will be developed under a public-private partnership, with both governments seeking equity partners to improve bankability. Updated feasibility studies are underway as a joint committee works to mobilize additional financing.

Zambia recorded a $14.71 billion increase in trade and investment since 2021, drawn from $89.31 billion in pledged projects, the Zambia Development Agency says. Actualized investments created over 91,500 jobs, mainly in manufacturing and mining. Manufacturing-led investment inflows, while Lusaka and the Copperbelt dominated provincially. ZDA credits the gains to improved investor confidence under President Hakainde Hichilema’s policy reforms.